It would've been easy for Matt Irwin to give up. He's glad he didn't.
The Nashville Predators defenseman has been named the team's nominee for the 2017 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association (PHWA). The trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
Originally signed to a one-year deal on July 1, 2016, by the Predators, Irwin, who had spent the previous season with the Boston Bruins organization, didn't make Nashville's Opening Night roster out of training camp. Irwin has admitted he wasn't happy with his play in camp, and knew he had plenty more to give.
Irwin Named Nashville's Masterton Trophy Nominee
Predators Defenseman Honored by PHWA for Perseverance, Sportsmanship and Dedication to Hockey